ID.7’s aerodynamics make 700km range possible

Volkswagen’s first electric model for the upper-mid size class, the ID.7, can get up to 700km (WLTP) range with the help of its streamlined design.

It has a 0.23 drag coefficient (Cd value), tested in a wind tunnel and computer simulations.

The Volkswagen limousine is an efficiency champion, the company says, adding the ID.7 is a near-production concept car and has not gone on sale yet.

“In addition to a new drive generation, sophisticated aerodynamics contribute to the ID.7’s long ranges.

“The aerodynamically favourable basic form, low drag coefficient (Cd value) of 0.23 and frontal area of 2.46m2 are the result of close cooperation between the Design and Development departments.”

With limousines like the ID.7, the body shape accounts for about half the Cd value, says VW.

The wheels and tyres influence about 30%, the underfloor 10%, and the functional openings through which air flows to the radiators in the vehicle front end, for example, also 10%, it adds.

VW says the new ID.7 is the most aerodynamic ID. model so far, seen when looking at the silhouette of the almost five-metre long vehicle.

“When designing the ID.7, there was a greater focus on aerodynamics than for practically any other model,” says Volkswagen designer Daniel Scharfschwerdt.

“This can be seen in the low front end, the flowing transition into the bonnet, and the fast windscreen. The coupé-like roof form and the tapering rear end are also designed for ideal aerodynamic performance.”

Project engineer responsible for ID.7 aerodynamics Stephan Lansmann says many small steps pay off in the end.

The ID.7 has an almost completely closed underbody, supplemented by new Developern wheel spoilers on the front wheels. These guide the air along the wheels under the vehicle with minimum turbulence.

Air curtains at the sides of the front bumper direct the air around the vehicle’s front end with minimum loss. Flared side sills prevent the air from flowing into the underbody area and shield the rear tyres from air flowing onto them. In addition, small spoilers and trim panels guide the flow of air on the underbody.

“On electric vehicles, the wheels make a greater contribution to good aerodynamics, and we therefore focused on them in particular,” says Lansmann.

In the ID.7, the air flow is actively controlled by a radiator roller blind to reduce drag. The electrically operated roller blind opens only when targeted cooling of the power units and battery is required.

At the rear, aerodynamic efficiency is ensured by the ideally shaped tailgate and the design of the diffuser and side separation edges.

The design team supplies CAD (Computer-Aided Design) data. Several thousand processors then calculate the air flow values, also for numerous details like the flush-recessed door handles and the aerodynamically designed mirrors of the ID.7.

“We go into the wind tunnel only when the design is stable. That can take a good one and a half years from the start of development,” Lansmann explains.

The Volkswagen Passenger Cars brand is in more than 140 markets worldwide and produces vehicles at 29 locations in 12 countries.

Volkswagen delivered about 4.6 million vehicles last year, which included electric models ID.3, ID.4, ID.5 and ID.6. The company says it handed over more than 330,000 all-electric vehicles to customers worldwide in 2022.